[Vision2020] Global warming approaching critical point

[Art Deco]

Dan, et al,

Time constraints allow only a short answer:

There is little doubt that in past eons volcanoes (which were much more 
frequent than now), forest fires caused by drought and lightening, ignited 
petroleum/gases, etc. did put much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and 
cause widespread climatic changes.  However, at present, human activities 
and their results are by far the main source of atmospheric carbon dioxide. 
Further, humankind  has decreased greatly, particularly in recent years, the 
amount of carbon dioxide converting vegetation (for example the Brazilian 
forests).  Hence, less carbon dioxide is now being converted into oxygen and 
into other organic substances.

The second site you presented is equivalent to those advocating the 
Creationist Theory of the Universe.  It features very poor science, depends 
mostly on scattered incidents, and contains much commentary by a lot of 
scientifically illiterate crack pots.  For example, the overwhelming body of 
observational evidence shows not only a great shrinkage of ice fields all 
over the world in recent years, but an alarming acceleration of that 
shrinkage.

Recently two large groups of well-respected, well-credentialed scientists 
have issued dire warnings on global warming.  Their is work based upon a 
great deal of systematic research.  Of course, as with any scientific 
prediction, their predictions could be wrong as it is a complex matter and 
we don't have all the facts yet.  However, given a choice between present 
science and crack-potism, I choose science.

Ted recently posted some of the results from the second group of scientists. 
I posted some of the results of the first group several months ago.

The blasé attitude on global warming equivalent to "Don't shoot until you 
see the whites of their eyes" is in my opinion fiddling while Rome burns.

For centuries, millions and millions of people died from horrible diseases. 
They died because religious and other groups sought to prevent, then sought 
to pooh-pooh the results of scientific inquiry.

Along with religious groups, social, political, and especially very powerful 
economic groups seek to do the same with the global warming issue.  These 
groups are likely to succeed:  they certain control the economic, political, 
and persuasive mechanisms to do so.  If so, the eventual human death toll in 
the not too distant future will not be in the millions as with the ignoring 
of health science for centuries was, but likely in the billions.

I hope you will not take this too personally, but Dan, I am surprised at 
your attitude and belief in this matter.  I know both from observation and 
the reports of reliable witnesses that you are an exceptionally dedicated 
family person and so perhaps then would want to leave a safer, more 
hospitable world for your children and their children.  I know, that when 
pressed with facts and logic, you are capable of rethinking a position and 
changing your mind.

I ask you as a fellow citizen and as a friend to take the time to 
thoughtfully look through the research, results and predictions of the two 
groups of scientists mentioned above and to revisit your current opinion on 
this admittedly very complex, not completely settled issue.

Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
deco at moscow.com



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Carscallen" <predator75 at moscow.com>
To: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 7:24 AM
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Global warming approaching critical point


> Okay, supposedly the earth is warming.  Do you really think mankind has
> that much an effect on what happens on this planet?  Yes, there is more
> CO2 in the atmosphere, and some has come from the activities of mankind.
> But, according to this article:
> http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=429703 -- volcanic activity
> is more to blame than anything else.  Now, I guess as good stewards of
> the planet we should work to plug the volcanoes and keep them from
> spewing their filth into the atmosphere?
>
> And shrinking glaciers?  Some would beg to differ:
> http://www.iceagenow.com/Growing_Glaciers.htm
>
> This planet has gone through many cycles throughout it's roughly 4.5
> billion year history.  While I agree that we should do what we can to
> protect the planet, we have very little effect on what actually happens.
> Some things might be to "Leapfrog" (for lack of a better term)
> developing countries to technology that we are ourselves trying to
> achieve (cellular rather than buried phone lines, etc.)  But again,
> humanity really can't do anything to change things, but I guess if it
> makes you "feel good" to care, go for it.  The earth will be here when
> we're all long gone.
>
> As my crew and I say when we are riding:  "Tread Lightly"
>
> DC
>
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